Licence to manufacture gunpowder at Gatebeck was granted to WH Wakefield in 1850 and production began two years later when the company's main manufacturory was transferred from Old Sedgwick gunpowder works. The site became known as 'Gatebeck Low Works' after 1880, when an extension of the works, known as Gatebeck High Works, was built (licensed in 1898). After 1880, the manufactory was served by a sawmill and cooperage. Wakefield's merged with the Nobel organisation after World War I but falling orders led to eventual closure in 1936 and much of the machinery was transferred to the Adeer works in Ayrshire.
This is part of the Collection: PAT01 Patterson, Dr Edward M
© Historic England Archive
Post Medieval Gunpowder Works
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